Geo55

So I was trying to adjust the ride height on my 87 S4 and the front was not changing when turning the nut and found that the threaded ring was frozen into the nut. (I wanted to change it because the front ride height was about 130 mm and was scrubbing the smallest of bumps.) Since i was changing upper a-arms lower ball joints tie rod ends and needed an alignment anyway. So My question is....How do you unfreeze the the two of them? Right now I have them soaking in some PB Blaster. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sportie

I gave up on trying to get mine free, so I cut the thread insert with a hack saw blade. This enabled be to leaver the thread up and out. Cutting did damage the thread, but it was only a very small cut and did not cause any problems. New thread rings are available from Porsche.

Mrmerlin

Haa just buy a new set of bilstiens and put them in
they come with new lower perches and adjusting collars

GregBBRD

You call 928 International and order two used ones that move....

skpyle

This.

Mrmerlin

and when you get the new to you inner threaded rings,
get some green locktite and put it on the 3 risers of your new shocks ,
and pound the new shocks into the rings.
Use antiseize on the threads of the adjusters and the perches

Mark Anderson

thanks Greg. We often have to cut off the outer aluminum adjuster to get a good used steel ring

jpitman2

When mine were found frozen my wrench gave me a couple of sets off 911 shocks - same units.
jp 83 Euro S AT 57k

Billu

If you want to take the time, this is what worked for me.
After liberal penetrating oil, I prefer CRC Powerlube, I used a large pliers to squeeze the collar into the sleeve, first on one side, then on the other. This allowed lube to get between the thread on the side opposite where I was squeezing. Once I got some motion that way, I shifted 90 degrees and did the same.
In time, the collar would somewhat loosen from the sleeve, and once that happened they could be turned off.

dr bob

I would love to have... A pair of those inner sleeves maybe 2" tall, so I could bring the front height up more, and safely. Geo55, know any good machinists who could do that?


DIY Options:

1) Usually a few heat cycles with a torch or even in the 500º toaster oven will weaken corrosion bonds in pieces like these. Make sure there's no oil in there to carbonize/ash and gum the works while heating.

2) On rusty steel-to-steel threaded fit-ups, drop the pieces in a cup with CLR to clear the corrosion.

Mark Anderson

Why not just stack them?

GregBBRD

You and I have been doing 928's for so long, that we can still remember when every used part was like new...because you were buying relatively new cars that had been wrecked and I was buying parts from those cars, from you.
Now everything is old, worn, or frozen....

Mark Anderson

that's how I feel every morning

Geo55

I would like to thank you guys for sharing all your knowledge and experiences with me. It is much appreciated. At this time I am out of work because of COVID-19. But if I get the pieces apart, I may give making a longer version of the sleeve a shot. Thanks again everyone.

Billu

If you need two, you should replace the springs.
Just remember, on the fronts, the increase on the sleeves vs ride height is about 2/1.
Honestly, try the squeeze thing. Mine were all frozen, and all released this way.
I also have more time than money.